Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.

Abstract: A method of creating a simulated aorta patterned from a natural aorta and having a preselected amount of compliance is disclosed. The dimensions of a simulated aortic root patterned according to the dimensions of a natural aorta are first selected and a mold provided. The amount of circumferential compliance desired in the simulated aorta is then selected, based on natural circumferential compliancies. A material such as silicone rubber formed of an elastomer and a filler is used to form the aorta, the durometer of the material being varied by varying the relative amount of the components, to provide the selected amount of circumferential compliance in a simulated aorta having the selected dimensions. The aorta is then formed curing the material in the mold for about 24 hours. Groups of simulated aortas so produced, sometimes having different sizes and/or compliancies are also disclosed. A method of testing non-stented valves using the aortas is included.

Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a top closure and a bottom closure. The opposing side panels are connected to the opposing face panels to define an upper opening and a lower opening. Further, at least one of the opposing side panels or the opposing face panels includes a first paper-based layer, a second paper-based layer and an adhesive. Each of the first and second layers has an inner surface and an outer surface. The adhesive bonds the inner surface of the first layer to the outer surface of the second layer. The top closure is connected to the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the upper opening. Finally, the bottom closure is connected to the opposing face and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the lower opening. Upon final assembly, the panels combine to define an internal storage region for containing the particulate-type product.

Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes at least one side wall, a top closure and a bottom closure. The side wall defines at least a portion of an internal storage region having an upper opening and a lower opening. The side wall includes a first paper-based layer, a second layer and an adhesive. The first layer includes a main body portion and a premium. The body portion and the premium are integrally formed such that the premium is selectively detachable from the body portion. The body portion and the premium each define an inner surface and an outer surface. The second layer has an inner surface and an outer surface. The adhesive bonds the inner surface of the body portion to the outer surface of the second layer, but does not impede detachment of the premium from the body portion. The top closure is connected to the side wall to encompass the upper opening. The bottom closure is connected to the side wall so as to encompass the lower opening.

Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes a canister body and a plurality of microholes formed in the canister body. Other than the plurality of microholes, the canister body is hermetically sealed. In this regard, the canister body defines an internal storage region configured to contain a particulate-type product. The plurality of microholes are sized to allow passage of air from the internal storage region, as well as to limit passage of the particulate-type product. During use, a decrease in atmospheric pressure applied to the canister, such as during shipping, results in air being vented from the internal storage region via the plurality of microholes. Due to this air flow, an internal pressure of the canister body maintains substantial equilibrium with atmospheric pressure such that the canister body will not expand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.